Wedding Photography Shots List

The secret behind the amazing wedding photography is planning. The proper photography shots list is very important for Wedding Photography. You have plenty of options during the wedding, from candids to family portraits. Please check the below list and share your photography shots list in the comments section.

Note: This article was inspired by the book of Digital Wedding Photographer’s Planner. You can purchase this book for full details.

#1 Engagement Shoot

Location Ideas

Wedding ceremony site
Reception site
Fancy hotel
Local park
Engagement site
First date site
First meeting place
The beach
The lake
Their home
Downtown
Scenic neighborhood
Industrial area
Local store (e.g. record store for music lovers)
Vineyard
Local landmark
School campus
Museum grounds

Pose Suggestions

Looking at each other
Holding hands
On bended knee
Stagger the couple
Couple really laughing
Back to back
Sitting with bride-to-be in front of groom-to-be
Kissing

#2 Before Wedding

Locations to Scout

Bride dressing area
Groom dressing area
Relaxed pre-ceremony portrait location
Ceremony site
Relaxed pre-reception portrait location
Reception area
License signing area
Toast location
Cake cutting area
Dance floor

Bride getting ready

Bride getting her makeup and hair done
Wedding dress
Wedding dress detail (lace, buttons, bows, etc.)
Dress shoes
Something Old
Something New
Something Borrowed
Something Blue
Any special jewelry
The bouquet
Bridesmaid dresses
Bridesmaid flowers
Candid shots of the bride getting ready
Candid shots of bridesmaids getting ready
Flower girls getting ready
Mother helping the bride get ready
Mother helping with one last detail (veil)
Maid of honor helping bride get ready
Bride with bridesmaids around her
Bride with each member of her entourage
Full-length shot of the bride in dress
3/4 Length shot of the bride in dress
Bride and bridesmaids toasting
Bride and her family

Groom getting ready

Putting on the tux or suit jacket
Help with the tie
Help with the boutonnière
Help with the cufflinks
Straightening the jacket
Dusting imaginary lint off the shoulder
Groom with parents
Groom with siblings
Groom with groomsmen
Groom’s mother helping with the boutonnière
Groomsmen putting on their boutonnières
Groom and groomsmen straightening their ties
Groom relaxed waiting
Groom with ring bearer
The rings
Tux or suit details
Groom with his entourage
Groom ready to get married
Groom and groomsmen waiting for the ceremony to start

The Bride and Groom with

Whole family
Parents, grandparents, siblings, nephews, nieces, children
Parents, grandparents, siblings, nephews, nieces, children plus groom
Grandmother, mother, and daughter (Female side of the family)
Grandparents and parents
Grandparents and parents plus the groom
Grandparents
Parents, siblings, and children
Parents and children
Parents and children plus the groom
Parents
Both sets of the parents plus the groom
Parents plus groom
Children
Children plus groom
Special relative

Wedding party

Bride and groom with the whole wedding party
Bride and the groomsmen
Groom and bridesmaids
Bride and groom with flower girls and ring bearer
Bride and groom with the maid of honor and best man

#3 During the Wedding Ceremony

The exterior of the venue
The interior of the venue without any people
Guests walking into the ceremony
Any musicians playing during the processional and wedding
Guests being seated
Officiate waiting
Groom walking down the aisle with mother/parents
Groomsmen walking family down the aisle
Parents being seated
Grandparents being seated
Groom waiting for the bride
Important family members being seated
Bridal party walking down the aisle
Maid/Matron of Honor walking down the aisle
Ring bearer walking the aisle
Flower girl walking down the aisle
Bride with her escort
Bride walking down the aisle
Bride’s expression as she sees the groom
Groom’s expression when he sees a bride (2nd shooter?)
Father of the bride giving her away
Bride and groom at alter/Chupah
Parents watching the ceremony
View of the ceremony from the guest’s point of view
Close-ups of the bride’s and groom’s faces
Wedding party close-ups during the ceremony
Exchange of vows close up and wide-angle
Ring exchange both close up and wide-angle
The kiss
Any blessings
Any readings
Any special moments like candle lighting or glass breaking
Bride and groom walking down the aisle after the ceremony
Hugs and congratulations
Receiving line

#4 After the Wedding Ceremony

The whole family (both bride’s and groom’s families)
Groom’s parents, grandparents, siblings, nephews, nieces, children
Bride’s parents, grandparents, siblings, nephews, nieces, children
Groom’s grandparents and parents
Bride’s grandparents and parents
Groom’s grandparents
Bride’s grandparents
All grandparents
Groom’s parents, siblings, and children
Bride’s parents, siblings, and children
Groom’s parents and children
Bride’s parents and children
All parents and children
Groom’s parents
Bride’s parents
All parents
Children
Special relative
Officiate and witness for the signing of the marriage certificate

#5 During the Reception

Place setting
Flowers
Cake
Cake table
Cake details
Guest book
Seating cards
Seating plan
Room details
Toast glasses
Wedding favors
DJ or Band
Decorations
Table settings
Building details
Bride and groom arriving
First dance
Mother/Son dance
Father/Daughter dance
Garter toss
Bouquet toss
Toasts
Cake cutting
Dancing
Leaving the party
Special food or drinks
Guest arriving
Guest signing the guest book
Parents, grandparents, family dancing
Musicians/DJ
Couple leaving